A REFLECTION AND A PRAYER

The entire globe seems brimming with hair-trigger hostility. The mass shooting in Las Vegas reminds us it is not a global problem. It’s personal. It’s in our neighborhood. Our school. Where we work. Home security systems are no longer considered a luxury for the rich.

Yesterday in her sermon, Janice Six spoke about Jesus coming to us in the midst of the storm. She said that Jesus was coming to them. And Jesus was coming even before they cried “help.”

I like the idea Janice shared that when terrible storms/tragedy comes we see people coming together to help one another. Where is God in all of this? I’ve shared with you before the comment of Mr. Rogers (public television fame) who said that in tragedy, if you want to find out where God is “look for the helpers.”

Janice Six

Yes, it is a scary world out there, but our faith in God who comes in the midst of the storm enables us to say: “I will not be afraid.”

Dear God, we open up our hearts this morning in anger, sorrow and hope. We pray that those who have been spared as well as those whose lives are changed forever may find comfort and strength in the days of recovery and reflection that come. We give thanks for strangers who comfort the wounded. We give thanks for first responders who run toward the sound of gunfire. Once again, Holy One, we cry out to you. We seek forgiveness for the ways in which we have tolerated hatred and prejudice. Even in the storm open our eyes, our hearts, our hands to the movement of your Spirit, who flows in us like the river whose streams make glad the city of God, and the hearts of all who dwell in it, and in you. In the name of Christ whose light cannot be hidden by darkness….we pray.